Automated dust control method

ABSTRACT

An automated method for suppressing fugitive dust dissemination is disclosed. The method provides for automated measurement of dust levels at remote locations, transmission of the measurements to a centralized monitoring and control system which sends a signal to remote dust suppression treatment application apparatus which apply the appropriate dust suppression treatment chemicals.

This application is a national stage of International Application No.PCT/US02/05034, filed on Feb. 20, 2002 and which claims the benefit ofProvisional Application Ser. No. 60/271,046, filed on Feb. 23, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automated methods of suppressingfugitive dust emissions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dust dissemination poses safety, health and environmental problems inmany commercial environments. For example, in many industries, thetransportation, handling and storage of bulk solids is common as inindustries such as mining, mineral processing, agriculture, power,steel, paper production etc. One major problem associated with handling,transporting and storage of bulk solid is dust generation and thecontrol of fugitive dust emissions.

In the mining and mineral processing area, fugitive dust emissions are ahealth and safety hazard that effects not only the site but alsocommunities surrounding the mine area. Mining and transportationequipment is also affected by fugitive dust. Loading, hauling andconveying equipment experience down time due to maintenance associatedwith fugitive dust emissions. Fugitive dust emissions are a particularproblem on mine/mineral processing site roads. Fugitive dust levels areusually high at such locations due to the activity levels and large areacovered. Typical methods used to control fugitive dust on such roads areto use a tank truck to dispense water or a treatment chemical on theroad surface. Treatment frequency can be based upon a predeterminedschedule or on general observation of the area. Such treatment schedulesare inefficient and often result in over or under treatment. Overtreatment incurs costs with no benefit and under treatment can adverselyimpact the entire operation or the regulatory compliance of the site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automated method of dustsuppression. The method employs one or more dust monitors, a controlmeans that implements a control algorithm, and a chemical feed systemwhich comprises one or more dust treatment chemical applicationapparatus. In general, the method comprises measuring dust levels of anarea with one or more dust level monitors which communicate the dustmeasurement to a central control system. The central control systemimplements a dust control/suppression algorithm that determines the needfor application of dust control/suppression chemicals. The centralcontrol system then communicates the need for dust control/suppressiontreatment to the dust control treatment equipment that will apply theappropriate treatment.

This concept has utility in many industries, especially the mining andmineral processing area. Fugitive dust in the mining industry is ahealth and safety hazard that effects not only the site, but alsocommunities surrounding the mine area. Mining equipment is also affectedby fugitive dust; loading, hauling, and conveying equipment experiencedowntime due to maintenance associated with fugitive emissions.

The method of the present invention provides for an efficient use ofresources by replacing a random or rigid schedule dust control systemwith an automated monitoring and treatment system. The automatedmonitoring and treatment system of the present invention integrates oneor more dust level monitors, a central control means, and automatedtreatment chemical application equipment. The method comprising placingdust monitor(s) in an area where dust control is needed. The monitor(s)measure the dust levels in the area and communicate fugitive dust levelinformation to the central control means. The central control means thenevaluates the information using an algorithm. The algorithm determinesthe appropriate level and timing of a response that will provide thedesired level of dust control/suppression and activates the automateddust control chemical feed equipment. The chemical feed equipment willapply dust control/suppression treatment to minimize the fugitive dustin that particular area.

Some operations such as ore crushing activities are localized generatorsof dust. Within the crushing facility dust monitors might be connectedthrough electrical cable to the central control unit. The automated dustsuppression chemical treatment application apparatus could also beconnected to the central control unit via cables that provide power andcommunication.

Some operations require a special approach due to the distance betweenwhere the monitor(s), central control means, and automated treatmentequipment are located. For example, a mining operation might have 20miles of haul road that requires dust level monitoring and dustsuppression treatment. Monitors would be required at some interval, suchas every mile. Therefore, for a 20 mile haul road, 20 instruments mightbe specified to monitor dust levels at various points and communicatethe dust level information to the central control processor.Conventional wiring would not be economical or safe in this type ofwidespread operation. Therefore, wireless modes of communication can beemployed to establish communication between the dust level monitors, thecentral control means and the automated chemical treatment applicationequipment. Acceptable wireless communications methods can include spreadspectrum, local mine frequencies, or global positioning systems (GPS)type systems. It is also expected, that in most such widespreadsituations, conventional power will not be available at eachmonitoring/treatment location. In such situation, the use of sensors,application equipment and system algorithms which provide efficientpower usage are desirable. For example, sensors that minimize samplingthus reducing power requirements can be employed.

In other situations, such as retrofitting a complex system or site fordust control treatment, instillation of cables can be costly and/ordifficult. In such situation, the use of automated sensing, control andtreatment application equipment which is interconnected via wirelesscommunication means can provide efficient dust suppression.

While the present invention has been described with respect toparticular embodiments thereof, it is apparent that numerous other formsand modifications of this invention will be obvious to those skilled inthe art. The appended claims and this invention should be construed tocover all such obvious forms and modifications which are within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A method of supressing the dissemination of fugitive dust particlesinto the atmosphere from at least one dust producing site comprising: a)locating dust level monitoring means at one or more dust producingsites; b) locating automated dust control treatment application means atsaid one or more dust producing sites; c) providing a centralizedcontrol means to receive signals from said dust level monitoring meansrepresentative of the fugitive dust levels at said one or more dustproducing sites and sending a responsive signal to said automated dustcontrol treatment application means to activate said automated dustcontrol treatment application means; and whereby fugitive dust at saidmore than one fugitive dust producing sites is suppressed.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein said signal from said dust level monitoring means tosaid centralized control means is via hard wire.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein said signal from said dust level monitoring means to saidcentralized control means is via wireless means.
 4. The method of claim1 wherein said signal from said centralized control means to saidautomated dust control treatment application means is via hard wire. 5.The method of claim 1 wherein said signal from said centralized controlmeans to said automated dust control treatment application means is viawireless means.